Autentico Culinary Festival Returns to Aruba for Third Year

ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Sept. 28, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Aruba Tourism Authority is proud to announce the return of Autentico, the island's signature culinary festival, for its third year. Taking place from October 3 to 11, the event will celebrate the diverse cuisines and cultural influences that shape Aruba's culinary identity. This year, the festival will feature acclaimed international talent alongside Aruba's local culinary community.

From October 3 to 9, participating restaurants across the island will offer special lunch and dinner menus as part of Restaurant Week. Guests dining at these restaurants can enter a Scan and Win activation to win tickets to the Pavilion, the festival's outdoor culinary celebration. The Pavilion, which will take place on October 10 and 11 in downtown Oranjestad, will bring together Aruba's culinary community and international guest talent for a weekend of food, drinks, and live demonstrations.

Renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson will lead culinary classes and collaborate with L.G. Smith's Steak & Chop House. Luca Cinalli, an internationally recognized mixologist, will lead mixology classes during the weekend. Additionally, Chef Virgilio Martínez will join Aruba's Chef Urvin Croes for a special culinary experience called From Summit to Sea. This collaboration will explore the unique flavors and traditions of the island, bringing together the expertise of a Peruvian chef and an Aruban culinary leader.

Autentico 2026 also offers a curated series of intimate culinary experiences, known as Bucket List Experiences. These experiences will bring guests closer to the chefs, ingredients, and stories that shape Aruba's food scene. One such experience is the collaboration between Chef Virgilio Martínez and Aruba's Chef Urvin Croes, which will take place in Oranjestad. Another highlight is a special mixology collaboration featuring Luca Cinalli alongside Apotek Speakeasy and the culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba.

Tickets for Autentico 2026 are now available at aruba.com/autentico. The full schedule of events, participating restaurants, and travel tips can be found on the website to help plan your visit.